You heard that right, Yuma, Arizona, is the sunniest city on earth, officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for its over 4,000 hours of sunlight each year. In other words, it’s the perfect place to trade the rainy skies of the Pacific Northwest for some serious sunshine. And that’s not all—it’s bursting with incredible history, delicious food, vibrant art, and endless outdoor adventures, too.
Stay
One of Yuma’s newest accommodations, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Yuma, is a true home away from home. Enjoy free daily breakfast, a state-of-the-art fitness room, a dip in the outdoor pool, and all just minutes from shopping, dining, and downtown.
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Historic Downtown Yuma is packed with charming shops, delicious eateries, pretty fountains, and fascinating historic landmarks. Stroll past beautifully restored buildings and soak in the character of this Old West town, also known as the Winter Lettuce Capital of the World.
While downtown, visit Sanguinetti House Museum and Gardens. Built in the mid-1800s as a modest adobe home and later expanded by merchant E.F. Sanguinetti, it reflects Yuma’s early growth and agricultural roots. Today, it’s a museum and community gathering space, with gardens that often host weddings and events.
No trip is complete without a stop at Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. The iconic landmark embodies an important period in the history of punishment and rehabilitation. Discover the powerful personal stories of prisoners and reformers, and how the prison has shaped Yuma’s identity for more than a century and continues to serve as a major educational and cultural destination.
Colorado River State Historic Park is well worth a visit. Home to the Yuma Quartermaster Depot, it was a key Army supply hub during the Indian Wars. Walk through original adobe buildings and learn how dams and a siphon tunnel later supported the Bureau of Reclamation’s Yuma Irrigation Project—showing how water, war, and engineering shaped the modern Southwest.
Wander trails along the Colorado River at the Yuma East Wetlands, where nearly 400 acres have been transformed into a thriving marsh and habitat area for endangered species. It’s a living classroom for wildlife and conservation.
Drive 19 minutes east to Martha’s Gardens Date Farm, founded in 1990. This family-run operation grows, packs, and sells its own Medjool dates. Be sure to try a famous date shake, a sweet taste of Yuma’s desert bounty.
If you visit in March, don’t miss Midnight at the Oasis–an extraordinary weekend of classic cars, live entertainment, delicious food, and unforgettable fun.
Dine
The downtown corridor offers a diverse array of restaurants highlighting Yuma’s unique flavors and culinary traditions.
Quite possibly the most beautiful coffee shop in the entire Southwest, Cafecito serves exceptional coffee amidst a stunning courtyard garden where nature meets art. Spread over 10,000 sq ft of indoor/outdoor space, this family-owned gem features a garden stage, a commercial learning kitchen, a full bar, and an effortlessly welcoming vibe.
Prison Hill Brewing Company is the perfect spot to savor crispy fried avocados and slow-smoked meats smothered in their tangy house-made BBQ sauce—paired with their own craft brews.
El Charro Mexican Café has been a colorful staple here since 1949. Still family-owned and operated, this iconic café serves up favorites like toasted cheese tortillas with green chile strips, handmade tamales, and margaritas.
The Garden Café is a hidden oasis on the grounds of the Sanguinetti property, open October through May. Savor signature scratch-made dishes like strawberry turkey salad, quiches, and cakes in this open-air setting with birds chirping. Additional standouts include tortilla soup and the infamous Yuma Spice iced tea.
Located on the grounds of the Colorado River State Historic Park, Autentico Sapore Italiano Restaurant is an unexpected find. Enjoy some of the best Roman-style pizza, fresh sauces, homemade breads, and carefully selected wines—all made with genuine ingredients imported from Italy.
Go to Welcome To Yuma, Arizona – On The River’s Edge to plan your trip.
By Emily Molina